Concerns Raised Over Two-Day Weekend and Academic Schedule Adjustments; Ministry Officials Respond
Image source, RSS
The government has decided to delay the enrollment campaign and the start of class sessions for the new academic year compared to previous years. However, local governments and officials from some community and private schools have criticized this move as ‘impractical’ and are calling for reconsideration.
Following the government’s decision to start the 2083 academic session on Baishakh 15 and to have a two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday), the Education and Human Resource Development Center has instructed all schools to begin their enrollment campaigns from Baishakh 15, with teaching sessions commencing only from Baishakh 21.
Officials at the center explained, “This circular has been issued to facilitate adjustments in line with the changed context of introducing a two-day weekend.”
Previously, enrollment campaigns used to begin immediately at the start of Baishakh.
Leaders from the Community School Principals’ Association, the Private and Residential Schools Organization Nepal (PABSON), and some local government officials and educationists have expressed concerns that the government’s decision may adversely affect teaching and learning.
A local government in Taplejung has declared that it will not implement the federal government’s academic session start date or the two-day weekly holiday.
According to Dipendra Pomu, chairperson of Aathrai Triveni Rural Municipality, “Each local government will formulate its own academic calendar as per the authority granted by the constitution, beginning the enrollment campaign from Baishakh 1.”
Educationist Vidyanath Koirala described the government’s decision as “worrisome.”
He stated, “Delaying the start by fifteen days coupled with a two-day weekend could result in a loss of 52 instructional days, creating injustice for students.”
He added, “While the enthusiasm among the new government officials is commendable, more thought is needed in managing students effectively.”
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Education emphasized the necessity to comply with the government’s decision once it has been made.
Spokesperson Shivakumar Sapkota stated, “While we respect the government’s decision, everyone must proceed with its implementation.”
Concerns
Image source, RSS
Officials from PABSON and the Community School Principals’ Association acknowledged that the two-day weekend is linked to fuel shortages but expressed confusion over the reason for delaying enrollment and the start of classes.
PABSON Chairman Krishna Adhikari stated, “There has been no clear communication from the ministry or local governments on why schools should be closed.”
He added, “Starting enrollment only from Baishakh 15 may not allow schools enough preparation time to ensure full student registration, which could present challenges.”
Moreover, beginning classes from Baishakh 21 might lead to disputes over monthly fees.
Sudan Prasad Gautam, Chairman of the Principals’ Association, expressed concerns that the two-day weekend would impact the workload and the delayed enrollment campaign might reduce student enrollment.
“We need to attract students equally from all communities. Since some private schools have already enrolled students, community schools may be adversely affected,” Gautam said.
Chairperson Pomu of Aathrai Triveni criticized the ministry for basing the two-day weekend decision solely on the situation in Kathmandu without understanding conditions across Nepal.
He noted, “The Curriculum Development Center creates a 220-day curriculum, but how can effective study happen with two days off weekly? Does the fuel price hike in Kathmandu apply uniformly across the country?”
Educationist Koirala pointed out that teaching methods in developed countries differ significantly from Nepal’s context.
He said, “In Norway or Finland, teaching three days a week suffices, but we don’t even know the precise number of school days here, and the capacity of teachers to deliver such education is lacking.”
“How will students be kept engaged during 52 days of holidays? What will parents think, and how will the curriculum be managed? These are important concerns,” he added.
Ministry Officials Respond
Image source, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology
Spokesperson Sapkota of the Ministry of Education stated, “We can only comment on the implementation of the government’s decision, not on the rationale behind it.”
Director Shyam Prasad Acharya of the Education and Human Resource Development Center clarified that only minor adjustments were made due to the fuel shortage.
Acharya explained, “The government has made the decision, and we are simply showing the way to implement it.”
“The academic session starts on Baishakh 15. Enrollment has been scheduled to start two days later, ensuring clarity and providing sufficient preparation time.”
Some stakeholders, however, hope that this decision will be reconsidered.
Principals’ Association Chair Gautam said, “We are preparing to request ministry officials to reconsider their decision.”
PABSON President Adhikari also confirmed efforts on this issue.
He stated, “We have evidence that the government has shown awareness by rectifying issues, including stopping MBBS and engineering entrance exam closures. If enrollment is conducted by Baishakh 15 and classes start thereafter, we will accept that.”
Educationist Koirala also sees potential for improvement.
“Solutions exist if ways to keep students engaged during holidays are devised. Curriculum adjustment and teacher training need development,” he emphasized.
“We must respect the government’s decision while also focusing on improvements. This way, both sides can move forward together.”
According to educational officials, no discussions on reconsideration have taken place yet.
“If petroleum supply stabilizes, the government may take a new decision. At present, I cannot say anything about that,” Acharya said.
The circular issued by the Education and Human Resource Development Center instructs schools to use Baishakh 2 onwards for planning the academic session, annual schedule, educational planning, teacher professional development, and activities to improve student learning outcomes.